New MD Named for BBCWW Content, Production Arm

LONDON: Helen Jackson has been confirmed as Wayne Garvie’s successor as managing director of content and production at BBC Worldwide, after serving in an acting capacity in the role since September.

Jackson will take overall leadership of BBC Worldwide’s TV content activity, including international formats and production; Talent & Brand Ventures and investment in content from the BBC and independent sector. She was most recently director of independents at BBC Worldwide and has been with the company for more than two decades.

Announcing the appointment, John Smith, CEO of BBC Worldwide, to whom Jackson reports, commented: “Helen’s appointment…is richly deserved. Her ability to build and navigate complex commercial partnerships across the U.K. production landscape has earned her great respect from the industry and helped fund many of Britain’s favorite television hits. It was obvious to me that Helen step up and take a wider leadership role of our relationship with the creative industry on global scale.”

Jackson added: “This is one of the best jobs in the business, working with the best talent and the best content, both in the U.K. and around the world. We have a formidable team here and leading such a brilliant set of minds is both daunting and exciting—we’ve built up a lot of momentum and there is a real energy about what more we can achieve.”